Discovering MAD LOVE eat + drink

Downtown Madison Restaurant

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with the Madison Main Street Program

MAD LOVE eat + drink, located at 709 W Main Street, is a music-themed restaurant in the heart of downtown Madison that offers delicious foods like mac and cheese, wings, burgers and so much more! MAD LOVE is a place where friends and family come together over drinks, laughter, and amazing food!

The story of MAD LOVE eat + drink starts in 2020 when owners Kim and Jeff Kennard fell in love with Madison and purchased a home. What started as a plan for a peaceful weekend getaway turned into something much bigger. “The more time we spent in Madison, we knew we had to do something MORE; we wanted to be part of this beautiful historic river town that we now call home. We found our Mayberry with a huge musical heartbeat that we LOVE,” said Kim.

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with the Madison Main Street Program

In May of 2021, the Kennards closed on what was previously Crystal and Jewels. For six months, they worked hard on cleaning, remodeling, and had a heavy focus on the back porch and yard area to fit their vision. The doors opened on November 5th, 2021 and from there, MAD LOVE has grown into a favorite for locals and visitors!

The Name MAD LOVE pays tribute to a very close friend of the Kennards, Seddy, who owned Seddy’s One Love Bar and Grill located on Jost Van Dyke, an island in the British Virgin Islands. “In its simplest interpretation it is all about love and the love for Madison, Indiana, friends, family, food, drink, history, art and MUSIC.” said Kennard.

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with the Madison Main Street Program

From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted like family, often by Kim’s own mother, who serves as the hostess. The vibe of MAD LOVE is perfectly curated to reflect on what the Kennards are all about: a love for food, drinks, music, art, friends, family, travel and of course, Boston Terriers. With a dedicated team of 14 staff members, MAD LOVE delivers a warm and memorable dining experience.

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with the Madison Main Street Program

All around you can find unique artwork that nods towards music icons like The Beatles, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis, Snoop Dog, Dolly and so many more! These pieces were created by local artists including Mark Schmidt and Brenda Shropshire, while others were collected by the Kennards or gifted by friends.

Art featuring Boston Terriers (Kim and Jeff have two of their own) is scattered throughout, with murals in the bathroom, “we have probably the most photographed bathrooms in Indiana.” Kim jokes. The art alone is reason enough to visit.

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with the Madison Main Street Program

Now, let’s get to the food. MADLOVE’s top seller has to be the SMASHLOVE burger. This burger is hand-formed and weighs in at 1/3 pound! Other highlights of the menu are Rock n Roll shrimp, giant pretzel, wings, chicken everything, wraps, mac n cheese (MMSP Program Manager’s favorite!), Shrimp + Grits, sirloins, brussels, spicy black bean burger and more! “If it wasn’t good, we wouldn’t have it on the menu – period.” said Kim.

Recently, Kim’s brother (a loyal fan of mac n cheese with rock n roll shrimp) tried the wings and said “sis, these are the best wings I’ve ever had, I’m serious”. Of course, we cannot forget about the beloved Italian nights every Wednesday where you can dine with friends over pasta and wine for a nice midweek tradition!

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with the Madison Main Street Program

MAD LOVE drinks are also spectacular with a full bar with a variety of wines, cocktails, martinis and beers, three draft selections are from Madison’s own New Madison Brewery.

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with the Madison Main Street Program

With such a small kitchen space, you can expect everything to be made fresh and made to order. Out back, you’ll see a food trailer that helps accommodate those who sit at the extra seating outside. This seating is covered and decorated with chandeliers that were repurposed from Madison’s once very popular restaurant, The Key West Shrimp House. This back area also displays a rock and roll Mona Lisa (a tribute to the Kennard’s two loves, art and music). The outside patio is also open to friendly furry friends!

Photo Credit to Lindsay Holley with the Madison Main Street Program

There is so much to see and taste at MAD LOVE! Whether you’re a regular or a first-time guest, you’ll find plenty to love and every reason to come back again soon!

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